How to Choose the Desoldering Wicks
Everything You Need To Know About Desoldering Wick
Creating a PCB assembly from the ground up necessitates the use of a soldering iron. Conversely, when it comes to repairing one, the initial step involves removing defective components through desoldering before soldering can commence. To facilitate this process, specific tools are required, and today's focus is on the desoldering wick. Additionally, it complements the desoldering pump to streamline the entire procedure. Therefore, if you're unfamiliar with this concept, we will delve into its crucial aspects in this article.
What Is a Desoldering Wick?
The desoldering wick operates in conjunction with a specialized solder sucker, serving the purpose of extracting excess solder from PCBs. In this regard, we strongly advise opting for desoldering wicks, as they effectively ingest and absorb a significant quantity of solder.
The copper flat iron is available in various lengths, allowing you to select the appropriate wick based on the amount of solder you intend to eliminate. The presence of copper strands further enhances the solder-absorption capacity of these wicks. When the wick has absorbed a sufficient amount of solder, you can simply replace it with a new one during the desoldering process.
Benefits of Desoldering Wick
You are aware that a soldering wick can be depended upon for the removal of excess solder from PCBs. Let's explore its advantages from various angles:
- Opting for a soldering wick is a cost-effective choice.
- Soldering wicks are user-friendly, even for those new to soldering.
- The availability of various sizes of wicks facilitates efficient solder removal.
- It performs exceptionally well on flat surfaces.
- This method enables the reuse of PCB components without compromising their integrity.
Disadvantages of Desoldering Wick
This section highlights the drawbacks associated with using a soldering wick, so let's examine them in detail:
- Desoldering braids are incompatible with soldering wicks as they require additional effort in terms of cleaning before use.
- If you overheat the wick, it becomes challenging to handle simultaneously.
- These wicks are not suitable for congested and tight spaces, such as removing solder from pins and holes.
When Should I Use a Desoldering Wick?
There are specific situations where the utilization of a desoldering wick holds great importance, yet it's crucial to understand that it isn't suitable for all applications. In fact, using it inappropriately might complicate your task even further. Essentially, a desoldering wick serves as a sort of vacuum cleaner, effectively removing excess solder. In instances where solder is accidentally spilled, this wick can be a lifesaver. Moreover, it is perfectly safe to employ a desoldering wick when working with SMD components; it won't damage or dislodge them in any way.
Recall our earlier discussion regarding the desoldering pump? Its primary function is to enhance the efficiency of the desoldering process. However, it's important to note that it isn't suitable for dealing with SMP components due to its flat pads, which lack utility in such scenarios. When working with PTH joints, it's advisable to opt for solder suckers. They are a more efficient choice compared to desoldering wicks, especially when speed is of the essence during PTH joint tasks.
In summary, desoldering wicks are highly application-specific. To achieve impressive results, it's imperative to carefully evaluate and choose the appropriate use cases for them.
Selecting the Right Desoldering Wick
The majority of desoldering wick spools or bobbins typically come in a standard size range of 1.5 to 3 meters. This size is recommended, as opting for larger wicks may result in a drop in performance. Several important factors need to be considered when selecting the most suitable desoldering wick. Let's explore these considerations in detail:
Braid Width
It's essential to choose an appropriate braid width, typically ranging from 0.8 to 5mm. You can also match the braid width with the size of the soldering pads for a more accurate fit. Smaller braids tend to be less efficient when removing solder from larger pads. Conversely, using a large braid might pose problems for neighboring PCB components. Be cautious when determining the right braid width to avoid issues like delamination and PCB scratching.
Soldering Tip Size
The size of the wick's tip is equally important. If the tip is excessively large or too small, it may not perform optimally. Ideally, the braid width should align with the size of the soldering tip. A tip that is too small will necessitate prolonged heating, while an overly large tip may interfere with other components. Recommended tip shapes include knife, hoof, and chisel tips for effective desoldering.
Flux Composition
Pay attention to the flux composition of the wick you choose. No-clean flux tips are suitable for soldering tasks that use no-clean solder. Rosin flux desoldering wicks are valuable for PCB assembly, especially when reworking is involved. On the other hand, no flux wicks are best suited for advanced and complex applications but are generally not recommended for beginners.
How to Use a Desoldering Wick? – Step-by-Step
It's time to discuss the proper procedure for using a desoldering wick to avoid complications during the process:
- Optimal Temperature Setting: Begin by ensuring the soldering iron is set to the correct temperature. Adequate heat is essential to melt the solder and create strong bonds between PCB components. However, excessive heat can lead to solder burning and damage to the boards. Different wicks require different temperature ranges, so research the recommended temperature for the specific wick you're using.
- Tin the Soldering Iron: Next, prepare the soldering iron by tinning it to facilitate the flux application later. Follow these guidelines carefully during the tinning process.
- Apply Flux: Now, it's time to apply flux. The type of wick you're using will determine how you proceed. If you're using a no-flux wick, apply flux to each joint and pad for effective desoldering. Ensure you apply the right amount of flux to avoid complications.
- Proper Wick Placement: Position the desoldering wick correctly on the workpiece pad. It's crucial to wear gloves when working with the wick to protect against skin burns. Use wick tweezers or a spool for placement and prioritize safety measures.
- Engage the Soldering Iron: Gradually bring the soldering iron in contact with the wick while adjusting the angle to maximize thermal contact and speed up the desoldering process. This step also safeguards the PCB components from potential damage.
- Avoid Excessive Pressure: While holding the soldering iron, refrain from applying excessive pressure on the wick. Allow the solder to melt naturally at its own pace. This step is often overlooked but is critical in preventing complications.
- Patience is Key: Do not rush the process; instead, be patient. Wait until you observe the wick changing color to silver before lifting it off. Ensure that both the soldering iron and the wick are removed simultaneously to prevent soldering the wick to the PCB.
- Final Inspection: Conduct a thorough final inspection to ensure a secure joint has been formed. Use special cutters to trim the desoldering wick before repeating the process, if necessary.
Conclusion
Desoldering plays a crucial role in the realm of PCBs. Consequently, having a solid understanding of the intricacies, recommendations, and procedural steps is essential to prevent complications and achieve favorable outcomes. In this article, we've emphasized key aspects of correctly utilizing desoldering wick to facilitate your work with intricate PCBs. Furthermore, we've outlined some drawbacks associated with substituting desoldering wick with soldering wick. There are instances where individuals neglect to adhere to the prescribed guidelines, leading to procedural complications. To steer clear of such complications, a thorough study of desoldering wick usage for PCBs is imperative. We trust that this information has been beneficial, enabling you to effectively employ desoldering wicks in your work!
